[jenpen]

I am beginning to feel like Goldilocks…

Started my career at a small firm doing everything. Great experience, but I hate audits. I thought I wanted a more tax focused role.

Enter firm #2. Mid-size tax accountant. I was bored doing nothing but taxes all the time. I tried to bridge into another dept, but obviously they weren’t so hip to that. Stayed a year, then moved again.

Now I’m at a family office. Some prep, mostly planning. But there is just not enough work to keep me busy and I’m bored. I’ve talked to supervisors, and just don’t feel like it’s going to change.

So now I’m considering moving again. My husband’s boss asked if I was looking yet because he has a friend whose firm is looking. I told my husband that my perfect job with basically be everything but audits…and of course this firm has a group that fits the bill with multiple positions open.

Does anyone else feel like that when trying to find the “perfect” position/firm/field?

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[MaLoTu]

I would say explore this new opportunity if it seems like it will offer what you are looking for. It is a good time to jump around the job market, especially public accounting since people are leaving left and right for industry.
IF this next place doesn’t work out then maybe you need to re assess what your idea of a perfect job really is and whether it’s obtainable. It would be a shame to keep switching jobs to find out that no position will fit your idea of the perfect job. Try not to make yourself miserable searching. I have found that most positions have good and bad. Focusing on the good helps. The one thing you should never take for granted is being around good people (I.e., sometimes the perfect job isn’t just what you are doing day to day).
Those are my little tidbits to share. Good luck!

[jenpen]

I agree. I almost regret leaving my first firm because I absolutely loved that job. I worked for good people, I had great relationships with my clients. I just didn't realize at the time how good I had it. I would go back there in a heartbeat…if they could match my salary, which unfortunately they can't even compete with.

The position I am looking at sounds like it is basically doing the work I had at the first firm, just on a larger scale. I've heard mixed reviews on the firm, but I heard great reviews about my last place and didn't love the environment there. I am definitely going to see how this one plays out, because at the end of the day I don't have to accept if I don't think it will be a good fit. There is something to be said for not having to bill my time and not being super stressed hitting hour goals. 🙂

Thanks for your insight!

AUD - 56 - 68 - 61 - 9/8/16
REG - 75
FAR - 7/15/16
BEC - TBD

Wiley CPAexcel and NINJA 10 Point Combo

[PC]

Everyone's priorities (and definition of perfect) will vary. Some will go anywhere to maximize income. Some will go anywhere to maximize the challenge/learning aspect. Personally, after stints in big 4 and hedge fund administration, all I wanted was to be surrounded by good people. So I took a pay cut and transitioned to a midsize nonprofit. The income is good enough, the challenge is good enough, but the people and work environment are downright amazing. Wherever I go from here, work environment will be my number one priority. Just one person's opinion.

[MOAC]

I have learned from experience that during first 10-15 years of your accounting career, you should learn as much as possible and challenge yourself. Don’t get cozy and look for that perfect job. You need to learn different things. Say if you are doing audits, don’t become an expert of only one industry, do audits for multiple industries. If you’re doing taxes keep challenging yourself. Become an expert in 1040s, 1066s, etc. only then you will be able to know what is your perfect job and what you want to do in future. I have seen people getting very cozy very early and then they end up making peanuts. When they realize what they have done, they want to switch but it’s too late. They are way underpaid and lack versatility.

FAR May 2012 81 (lost credit, didn't sit for other sections.)
FAR 86 Aug 2015
AUD 85 Nov 2015
BEC 84 Dec 2015
REG 78 Mar 2016

Passed ALL sections in first attempt!!

[Author]

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